Psycho-social Factors Influencing Juvenile Delinquency Among Girls at Kirigiti and Dagoretti Rehabilitation Centres

Abstract

This study investigated the psycho-social factors influencing juvenile delinquency among adolescent girls at Kirigiti and Dagoretti Rehabilitation Centres. The study adopted a descriptive survey sample design that targeted all the 78 girls who were undergoing rehabilitation at Kirigiti and Dagoretti Rehabilitation Centres. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire and a focused group discussion with the social workers. The data collected was sorted for completeness and coded in order to enter into appropriate data analysis software. The data on demographic information of the research participants was analysed using frequencies and percentages, whereas the data on the psychological and social factors was analysed using content analysis. The findings are presented using tables and graphs. The study found out that all girls whether living with one or both parents, father or mother, were still likely to commit crime. The most common crimes included: murder, drug abuse, truancy and school dropout, stealing, child abuse, rape, malicious damage of property and prostitution. There were actions though did not constitute crime indicated need for parental care and protection including peer influence, absenteeism from school and cases of attempted suicide. It was commendable that most the girls felt that they had benefitted immensely from the rehabilitation centres and adopted appropriate behaviours such as positive discipline, being responsible, obedience, respect, self-control, friendliness, assertiveness, good language approaches toward different kinds of people and anger and conflict management skills. The study recommends that the management of rehabilitation centres come up with reformation strategies that will incorporate parents and guardians to deal with juvenile delinquency. The study further recommends girl friendly environment particularly improved facilities in the centres such as access secondary education, employment of permanent counsellors as well as recreational facilities.